The Only Way Up Is Down

May 2024 Show

The world tells us that true greatness lies in wealth, position, and power. But the Son of God came to show us the truth: that real greatness lies in servanthood. To be something great, you must be willing to become nothing, and a true leader is one who serves and lays down his life. How much of a servant are you? You can easily tell by how you react when you’re treated like one. Tragically, many Christians in this country long to be top-of-the-heap, to hold the positions of power so that America will be forced to be righteous– so they think. Oh, if they would onely listen and learn from the Master! (Listen now)

Give Us Barabbas!

Aoril 10, 2024 Show

In honor of Good Friday and Easter, which we recently celebrated, host SJ Munson reads an original short story, which gives us a front-row seat to the Passion Narrative, particularly tracking a man named Barabbas, a notorious terrorist who somehow finds his destiny inextricably linked to that of another man they called Jesus of Nazareth. (Listen now)

How to Interpret the Bible Responsibly

March Show

Many people open the Bible and immediately get confused. What is it talking about? Who is talking here and why? Is this one book or 66 books under one cover? Should I take this passage literally? Others try to apply it straight away and get bogged down because they’ve skipped a very important first step. Believe it or not, the Bible was intended to make sense. Join us as we talk about some very simple and logical steps for how to interpret the Bible responsibly. (Listen now)

God’s Kingdom Economy: Learning to Give Generously

February 2024 Show

Have you ever wondered why it seems God gives some people great wealth and others virtually nothing? Why is it that so often the more people have, the more selfish they are? What does the Bible say about the unequal distribution of wealth? What is the New Testament’s standard for giving? Tithing? Beyond tithing? In this broadcast we’ll talk about these and other questions and find out what it means to be generous. (No, this is not an appeal for donations! There will be no such appeal on this or any of my broadcasts.). Listen Now.

The Co-opting of Christ: All This and Heaven, Too?

January 2024 Show

When Jesus informed the 12 Disciples that he would soon suffer crucifixion, Peter reacted with horror, “No, Lord, this will never happen to you!” Peter could not comprehend that Christ’s glory would be revealed through suffering and death. Like the others, he was counting on reigning with Jesus in the here and now. But as Martin Luther explains, God’s promises are so often hidden under their opposite. The church today often promotes the gospel as a self-improvement course, as a means to prosperity, better health, “Have a better—,” “Be a better—,” rather than an invitation to come and die, that we might live. After 2000 years the Cross is still an offense, a scandal, an object of loathing to our fleshly nature, which wants to possess the world and Jesus, too. (Listen now)

On Loving Our Enemies

December 13, 2023 Show

Although we always ask our closest loved-ones what they want for Christmas, ironically, it’s the Birthday-Boy himself who often goes without on Christmas? But what do you get the Son of God, who has everything? Well, the answer may surprise us. For each of us, this may mean something different, but could it have something to do with loving our enemies, a message which is at the very heart of Christ’s gospel? (listen now)

Part 2: Hastening Armageddon? What’s Behind the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict?

November 8, 2023 Show

Last month the world witnessed a new explosion of hostilities between Hamas and Israel. The unconscionable violence and inhumanity on both sides makes one’s blood run cold. In a White House press conference shortly after the barbarous Hamas attacks, one reporter dared to assume that there were still two sides in this conflict. The President’s press secretary, however, emphatically declared, “There is only one side” in this conflict, that of Israel. Such ignorance and cruel disregard for the suffering of an entire people group, the Palestinians, will surely lead to no good and almost insure the conflict will never be resolved. Hamas, after all, owes its very existence and legitimacy to Israel, since Hamas’ embracing of terrorism gives the Israeli government exactly what it wants: a way to justify its continued occupation and its ethnic cleansing of Palestinian land, which we’ve seen unfold again before our very eyes.  Last month we broadcast Part1 of a 2-part series on the conflict and the role of American Evangelicals in helping to perpetuate it. Tonight we offer the conclusion. (Listen now)

Hastening Armageddon? What’s Behind the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict? Part 1

Listen to October 11, 2023 Show

This past week Hamas began lobbing missiles into Israel as well as unleashing unspeakable carnage, and Israel in turn began air-strikes against Hamas targets, with neither side having any regard for the safety of civilians, even their own. Apparently, Hamas’ missiles took Israeli intelligence completely by surprise. US media are calling the attacks “unprovoked.” Certainly, such a level of violence, the brutal murder of civilians and taking of hostages, should be universally condemned. However, to call these attacks unprovoked is irresponsible, ignoring over 50 years of Israeli oppression and apartheid in the Occupied Territories. This is the first of a 2-part series in which we will try to present a balanced biblical view of what is happening and why, looking at the history of the region as well as the role American Evangelicals have played in perpetuating the madness. What would it look like if the US were really a “friend of Israel” instead of just a partner in crime? Listen now.

Reducing the Threat of Islamic Terrorism Worldwide: A Christian Perspective

September, 2023 Show

As we mark the 22nd anniversary of the 9-11 attacks, we look at the growth of Islamic terrorism and ask the question “why?” Where does it come from and what does it have to do with Western colonialism? Since we claim to be a “Christian nation,” what would it look like if the U.S. took a more decidedly Christian approach to combat terrorism? Listen now.

On Vested Interest and Becoming an Ethical Shopper

August, 2023 Show

What would you do if you knew that one of the products you bought regularly were produced using unfair labor practices, such as sweatshop labor or even slavery? Do you have investments or retirement accounts? Do you know how these monies are invested? Do you know where the clothing you buy comes from and how it is produced? What would happen if we considered that every purchase we make, from T-shirts to 401(k)s, makes a statement regarding how we care about people? Listen now.

The following websites can help you get started on your way to ethical purchasing:
https://www.greenamerica.org/
http://www.ussif.org/
https://faastinternational.org/